CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A former Massey Energy official who is cooperating in the criminal investigation of the Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster has been arrested on drug charges.
David Hughart is now scheduled to appear in a bond-revocation hearing Tuesday at 1 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge R. Clarke VanDervort, according to court records.
It will come before he is to be sentenced on two criminal charges that he plotted with other Massey officials to routinely violate safety standards and then cover up the resulting workplace hazards. Hughart’s sentencing is at
2:30 p.m. Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Irene Berger.
Records said Hughart plead guilty to the charges back in February, at which time Berger released Hughart on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond pending his sentencing. Among other things, he was ordered not to violate any federal, state or local laws.
Hughart was arrested August 30 by Beckley police for possession of alprazolam and oxycodone without a valid prescription.
Following the arrest, court records state that a federal probation officer filed a petition in federal court seeking to have Hughart arrested and asking that his bond be revoked.
In his sentencing Tuesday, Hughart faces up to six years in prison and a fine of up to $350,000.